Seated Female Storyteller with 2 Children [SOLD]

This is probably an early storyteller figurine by Seferina Ortiz as it is more primitive than her later works.  It features a seated female in traditional pueblo dress, bracelets on both wrists, and a nugget necklace around her neck.  She has high cheekbones and a prominent nose.  Her black hair drapes down her back. Two young boys are seated on her leg and lap.

In the first decade following the creation of the storyteller figurine by Helen Cordero, only about 8 potters at Cochiti were producing the figurines. It was these 8 potters that we featured in our first Storyteller Exhibit in the early 1980s. Among them was Seferina Ortiz. She is one of the earliest and long-lasting potters to make storyteller figurines.

Since Seferina passed away in 2007, it has been difficult for us to acquire pottery figurines made by her because most collectors who have them are keeping them since they cannot be replaced. It is a pleasure for us to be able to post this one to our site at this time.

Condition: very good with no visible damage

Provenance: from the collection of an Albuquerque family

Recommended Reading:  The Pueblo Storyteller: Development of a Figurative Ceramic Tradition by Barbara Babcock, et al.